Hosta Harry Van Trier

Hosta 'Harry Van Trier' is a variety of small size that stands out for its particularly compact habit and exceptionally abundant summer flowering. It produces beautiful dark green, glossy, lance-shaped leaves with undulate margins. They are slightly recurved, further enhancing the very dense appearance of the clump, which somewhat resemble arums. This is a fast-growing variety that provides abundant lilac flowering in mid-summer. Easy to cultivate and succeed in damp soil, the plant will form beautiful, very floral green patches, particularly elegant in shaded areas of the garden.

This Hosta is a completely hardy perennial belonging to the lily or Hosta family. 'Harry Van Trier' is a small-sized variety, probably derived from Hosta nakaiana, a Japanese and Korean species that has given rise to numerous cultivars through cross-breeding with other species.
The plant will reach a height of 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14in) and 55 cm (22in) when in flower, spreading about 40 cm (16in), with an upright and spreading habit. It forms a dense clump slightly wider than tall. It is a plant with good longevity that establishes quickly in the garden. Its foliage is deciduous and lance-shaped; each very slender leaf is partially recurved, with undulate margins. The lamina is a solid, glossy dark green colour. The particularly abundant flowering occurs in July-August, sometimes as early as June depending on the climate, in the form of pendulous lavender-pink bells arranged towards the top of peduncles that can reach a height of 55 cm (22in).

The 'Harry Van Trier' hybrid Hosta combines well with helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also be valuable when used as a small groundcover, in the company of columbines and painted Japanese ferns, or even small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.

Most species widespread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.